By: By Al Barba
Cancun Challenge Website
KENNESAW, Ga. – The Kennesaw State women's basketball team will enjoy the warm tropics of Mexico when it takes part in the 2018 Women's Cancun Challenge at the Hard Rock Hotel Riviera during Thanksgiving week.
The Owls are one of 10 teams who will compete in the 14th edition of the event that is scheduled for Nov. 22-24.
Kennesaw State opens with Idaho State on Nov. 22 before taking on Michigan State (Nov. 23) in the Riviera Tournament. The 10-team event is divided into two divisions; the Riviera (George Washington, Georgia Tech, Kennesaw State Michigan State and North Carolina State), and the Mayan (DePaul Kansas State, Princeton and Syracuse).
Games will take place in the modified ballroom of the all-inclusive Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya, allowing teams and fans to walk from their rooms to restaurants to the games.
A look at the Owls' opponents:
Idaho State (2017-18: 21-11, 11-7 in Big Sky)
The Bengals are led by senior Grace Kenyon, who tore her ACL after her freshman year, but was second in scoring (12.9 ppg) and led the team in rebounds, assists, steals and blocks a year ago. The roster gets a boost from Australian freshman guard Callie Bourne, who averaged 20 points per game in a club season and has significant international experience.
Michigan State (2017-18: 19-14, 7-9 in Big Ten)
The Spartans advanced to the third round of the WNIT where they lost to South Dakota. Junior Shay Colley is a key returner for Michigan State after averaging 12.4 points per game and scoring 31 points in a postseason loss to South Dakota. Fellow junior Taryn McCutcheon averaged 10.2 points a game while leading the team in assists, steals and three-point shooting percentage (38 percent). The roster also includes guard Nia Clouden, the
USA Today Maryland Player of the Year, who was ranked No. 43 overall by ESPN Hoopgurlz.
Head coach
Agnus Berenato returns for her third season in 2018 and has a roster highlighted by the last two ASUN Conference Freshmen of the Year in
Carlotta Gianolla (2017) and
Kamiyah Street (2018). The Owls' coaching staff will also welcome a talented recruiting class that includes Amani Johnson (North Versailles, Pa. / East Allegheny HS), Peyton Lewis (Hampton, Ga. / Locust Grove HS), Kate Head (Brisbane, Australia / Ipswich Girls' Grammar School) and Erica Moore (Lizella, Ga. / Independence Community College [Kan.]).
Tournament Schedule
Thursday, Nov. 22
Mayan Tournament
DePaul vs. Princeton, 11 a.m.
Syracuse vs. Kansas State, 1:30 p.m.
Riviera Tournament
Georgia Tech vs. George Washington, 4 p.m.
NC State vs. Michigan State, 6:30 p.m.
Kennesaw State vs. Idaho State, 9 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 23
Mayan Tournament
Kansas State vs. DePaul, 11 a.m.
Princeton vs. Syracuse, 1:30 p.m.
Riviera Tournament
George Washington vs. NC State, 4 p.m.
Idaho State vs. Georgia Tech, 6:30 p.m.
Michigan State vs.
Kennesaw State, 9 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 24
Mayan Tournament
Kansas State vs. Princeton, 11 a.m.
DePaul vs. Syracuse, 1:30 p.m.
About the Cancun Challenge
Located just off the azure waters of the Caribbean Sea, the Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya offers the ultimate vacation for guests of all ages with both the adults-only and family friendly resort experiences. With a combined 1,264 ultra-posh and lavishly appointed guestrooms boasting balcony, terrace views or new, expansive sky terrace options with picturesque views, hydro tubs in each room, world-class shopping and endless style, Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya is nothing short of the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Complete with expansive outdoor pools and private beach, this all-inclusive escape offers nine world-class restaurants, eight bars and lounges, in addition to 88,915 square feet of state-of-the-art meeting and event space ideal for elegant banquets, themed parties, weddings, concerts, and more.
Seating is limited for this exclusive event, and all fans should book land travel packages through Triple Crown Sports for admission into games in Mexico. Travel packages are the only way to guarantee admission to games at this time. For travel package information, contact Sarah Sullivan at 970-672-0533 (email to
sarah@triplecrownsports.com) or visit the website at
www.cancunchallenge.net.
To keep up with the latest Kennesaw State women's basketball news follow the team on Twitter @KSUOwlsWBB and or by liking Kennesaw State University on Facebook. Follow Coach Berenato on Twitter @KSUCoachB.
--GoKSUOwls--
